Qualcomm to buy AI startup Modular for $4 billion in AI software push

Qualcomm is acquiring AI startup Modular for nearly $4 billion in an all-stock deal. This move aims to enhance Qualcomm's software capabilities for running AI models across various chips without custom coding, directly challenging Nvidia's dominant CUDA platform. The acquisition is part of Qualcomm's strategy to expand its presence in the booming data-center market and reduce its dependence on smartphone chip sales.